Becoming a Dutch citizen
General
You can apply for Dutch citizenship at the council, either by option or through naturalisation, but only if you are registered with Breda council. Both option or naturalisation will lead to you becoming a Dutch citizen with the same rights and duties, but they do have different requirements. To obtain Dutch citizenship, you must first follow the step-by-step guide, then make an appointment.
First register foreign documents
Before applying for naturalisation or option, you must register foreign documents relating to birth, marriage or divorce with the Council.
If you don't know whether your documents are registered, log in to MijnOverheid.nl with your DigiD. Go to 'identity'. Under 'Personal details' in the 'Document description' section, you will find the documents that have been registered. If your documents are not yet registered, make an appointment to register foreign documents.
No passport or birth certificate?
A passport or birth certificate must be requested from the government of your home country. If you are unable to obtain a passport or birth certificate, you may be able to appeal for lack of documentary evidence.
Naturalisation or option
Becoming a Dutch citizen
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If you are not eligible for the option procedure, you can become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation.
If you are eligible for naturalisation, submit your application to the council. The council then sends your application to the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND).
On the IND website read how you can become a Dutch citizen through naturalisation and what the requirements are.
How long will it take?
he IND will make a decision about your application. This usually takes less than 1 year, but can take 2 years at the most. If you have questions about your application, call the IND on telephone number 088 043 04 30.
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You can sign an option statement saying you wish to become a Dutch citizen. This is a faster way of becoming a Dutch citizen if you have been living in the Netherlands for a longer period of time. You must be part of a specific group, identified in the law.
On the website of the Immigration and Naturalisation Service (IND), read when 'option' is possible and what the requirements are.
How long will it take?
The mayor will make a decision about your application within 13 weeks. This period may be extended by a maximum of 13 weeks.
Charges
When you submit your application you pay a fee. This fee is not refunded if your application is unsuccessful.
| Option | Naturalisation | |
|---|---|---|
| Adult person | € 231 | € 1091 |
| Jointly with your partner | € 395 | € 1393 |
| Child when applying at the same time | € 26 | € 161 |
Becoming a Dutch citizen through naturalisation for stateless persons or asylum residence permit holders
indefinite period:
| Adult person | € 811 |
| Jointly with your partner | € 1114 |
| Child when applying at the same time | € 161 |
Invitation to the ceremony
If you obtain the Dutch nationality, the council will invite you to a naturalisation ceremony. This is a celebratory event held monthly, with other new Dutch citizens. During the ceremony, everyone aged 16 or older is required to take the Declaration of Solidarity. Afterwards, you will receive a certificate confirming you have become a Dutch citizen.
You must attend the ceremony. If you do not attend you will not become a Dutch citizen.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a Dutch citizen through naturalisation
The step-by-step guide will provide you with information on what actions to take and the documents you need to apply for the Dutch nationality through naturalisation.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a Dutch citizen by option
The step-by-step guide will provide you with information on what actions to take and the documents you need to apply for the Dutch nationality by option.